Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effects of an electromagnetic field on the boundary tissue of the seminiferous tubules of the rat: A light and transmission electron microscope study med./bio.

By: Khaki AA, Tubbs RS, Shoja MM, Rad JS, Khaki A, Farahani RM, Zarrintan S, Nag TC
Published in: Folia Morphol 2006; 65 (3): 188-194
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

The possible effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic field on the reproductive system of in utero exposed rats should be investigated in this study.

Background/further details

30 male rat pups were exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic field during in utero development for approximately 3 weeks and postnatal life for 5 weeks. Than one half of the pups was sacrificed immediately after last day of exposure and the other half was sacrificed after 8 weeks recovery period without exposure. The control group also consisted of 30 male pups.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 3 weeks in utero and 5 weeks postnatal

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 3 weeks in utero and 5 weeks postnatal
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup two copper coils placed one above the other with a distance of 50 cm; rats placed between the coils
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 8 mT - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The investigated tissue was found disrupted at various layers in the exposed rats. This tissue showed infoldings, which were perhaps due to the loss of collagen and reticular fibrils from the inner and outer non-cellular layers. The outer non-cellular layer, which was thinner than that of the control group, was stripped away from the myoid cell (peritubular contractile cell) layer in multiple regions, giving a "blister-like" appearance. The myoid cells showed fewer poly-ribosomes, pinocytotic vesicles (fluid endocytosis) and glycogen granules. Most mitochondria were found to lack infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane, so called cristae. The connections between individual myoid cells were apparently lost. There were signs of regeneration in the recovery period.
These data suggest that the low frequency field exposure may cause profound changes in the boundary tissue of the seminiferous tubules.

Study character:

Study funded by

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